Title: Paul Skenes Reflects on Stellar Season Despite Slight Increase in ERA
In a thrilling 4-3 win over the Cincinnati Reds, Paul Skenes capped off his 2025 season with a remarkable 1.97 ERA, showcasing his pitching prowess for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Despite his impressive performance, Skenes humorously quipped that he was “worse” this year compared to his rookie season when he held a 1.96 ERA. This light-hearted comment belies the exceptional talent and dedication Skenes brings to the mound.
Skenes’ season has been nothing short of spectacular, drawing accolades and attention from fans and analysts alike. At just 23 years old, he has become the first qualified pitcher in his age group to maintain a sub-2.00 ERA since Dwight Gooden’s Cy Young-winning season in 1985. With his dominant display on the field, Skenes is a strong contender for the NL Cy Young award, leading MLB in ERA (1.97) and FIP (2.37), as well as topping the NL in strikeouts (216) and strikeout-to-walk percentage (23.7).
A standout feature of Skenes’ season has been his consistency in shutting down opponents. He has delivered 14 games with no earned runs and allowed two earned runs or fewer in 26 out of his 32 starts, showcasing his reliability and skill on the mound. As the Cy Young award looms on the horizon, Skenes is poised to join an elite group of Pirates pitchers, including Vernon Law (1960) and Doug Drabek (1990), who have received the prestigious honor.
Beyond the individual accolades, Skenes’ performance has significant implications for the Pirates and the broader baseball landscape. His emergence as a young talent with the potential to dominate the league for years to come signals a bright future for the Pirates and adds excitement to the competitive landscape of MLB. Skenes’ journey from rookie sensation to seasoned ace serves as an inspiration for aspiring young pitchers and a testament to the power of hard work and dedication in achieving success in the sport.
As the curtain falls on the 2025 season, Paul Skenes stands as a shining example of excellence in baseball, with his journey marked by resilience, skill, and a relentless pursuit of greatness on the diamond.
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